France make eight changes for Six Nations clash against Italy

France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made eight changes to his team for this Sunday's Six Nations battle against Italy.

Sebastien Tillous-Borde will start his first game of the tournament alongside Camille Lopez at half-back after recovering from injury.

Noa Nakaitaci and Loann Goujon have been given their first starts for France, while Scott Spedding has replaced full-back Brice Dulin.

Centres Remi Lamerat and Wesley Fofana, scrum-half Morgan Parra and wing Sofiane Guitoune have all been taken out of the side for this weekend's encounter.

Maxime Mermoz has been handed his first start in this year's tournament as France try to claim their second win of the championship.

France team to face Italy: Scott Spedding, Yoann Huget, Gael Fickou, Maxime Mermoz, Noa Nakaitaci, Camille Lopez, Sebastien Tillous-Borde, Eddy Ben Arous, Guihem Guirado, Nicolas Mas, Alexandre Flanquart, Yoann Maestri, Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Le Roux, Loann Goujon

Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Rabah Slimani, Vincent Debaty, Romain Taofifenua, Damien Chouly, Rory Kockott, Jules Plisson, Mathieu Bastareaud